Immigration Policy in Chicago, IL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

Every city handles immigration policy a little differently. In Chicago, Illinois, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Sanctuary Policy Preemption

Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance MCC Ch. 2-173 bars city resources from federal civil immigration enforcement. Adopted in 2012 and strengthened in 2021, the rule blocks ICE detainers without a judicial warrant.

Key details: Code chapter: MCC Ch. 2-173. First adopted: 1985, codified 2012. Strengthened: January 2021 amendments. ICE detainers: Honored only with judicial warrant. State backstop: Illinois TRUST Act.

City employees who breach MCC 2-173 face administrative discipline up to termination. The ordinance binds the city, not residents or private businesses, so no civil fines apply to private parties.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Chicago gives residents more flexibility on sanctuary policy preemption.

E-Verify Mandates

Federal law mandates E-Verify only for federal contractors. Illinois has no statewide E-Verify mandate, and Chicago has not adopted a city requirement, so private employers may use it voluntarily.

Key details: Federal mandate: Federal contractors only. Illinois statute: 820 ILCS 55 (Privacy Act). Chicago city mandate: None enacted. Voluntary use: Allowed for any employer. Worker notice: Required for non-confirmations.

Illinois employers who misuse E-Verify or fail to follow 820 ILCS 55 notice procedures face civil penalties up to $1,000 per first violation and up to $5,000 for subsequent violations enforced by the Illinois Department of Labor.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Chicago gives residents more flexibility on e-verify mandates.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Chicago gives residents more room on immigration policy. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Chicago's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.